Discover the beautiful countryside of southern Carinthia, Austria, on this scenic 11.84 km cycling route from Eberndorf (Dobrla vas) to the Drau River via the Klopeiner See region. This peaceful cycling adventure takes you through traditional Austrian villages, green meadows, quiet forest paths and picturesque rural landscapes.
Starting in Eberndorf, the route heads west through the countryside north of Klopeiner See, passing through Unterburg, Seelach and Stein im Jauntal before reaching the Drau River. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy a relaxing combination of paved country roads and gravel tracks, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Jaun Valley.
With just 103 metres of elevation gain, this 11.84 km route is rated Easy and is suitable for recreational cyclists looking for a relatively short and enjoyable ride. The mixed surfaces make it particularly appealing for gravel, trekking and hybrid bicycles.
Watch the complete 4K cycling video, explore the interactive route map and download the free GPX track to experience this scenic cycling route in Carinthia yourself.
Cycling from Eberndorf to the Drau River – Discover Southern Carinthia
Explore the peaceful countryside of southern Carinthia on this scenic 11.84 km cycling route from Eberndorf (Dobrla vas) to the Drau River via the Klopeiner See region. Located in Austria’s beautiful Jaun Valley, this route combines quiet country roads, gravel tracks, traditional villages and green landscapes. With 103 metres of elevation gain and an Easy difficulty rating, it offers an enjoyable cycling experience for recreational riders who prefer shorter distances and varied scenery.
The journey begins in Eberndorf and heads west through the countryside north of Klopeiner See. Along the way, cyclists pass through Unterburg, Seelach and Stein im Jauntal before reaching the Drau River. Rather than following the busy lakeside tourist areas, the route explores quieter rural surroundings, where agricultural fields, wooded sections and small settlements create an authentic picture of everyday life in southern Carinthia. The combination of asphalt and gravel makes the ride particularly suitable for gravel, trekking and hybrid bicycles.
Eberndorf and Unterburg – From Historic Villages to the Klopeiner See Region
The route starts in Eberndorf (Dobrla vas), a historic market town in the Jaun Valley. Eberndorf is known for its former Augustinian monastery complex, which remains an important architectural landmark in the region. The surrounding countryside is characterised by agricultural land, small villages and wooded hills, making the town a convenient starting point for exploring southern Carinthia by bicycle. Leaving Eberndorf, the route follows local roads through a landscape that gradually opens towards the Klopeiner See region.
Continuing west, cyclists reach Unterburg, a settlement near the eastern side of Klopeiner See. The lake is among Carinthia’s best-known summer destinations, attracting visitors with its warm water, swimming areas and attractive Alpine surroundings. Although this cycling stage does not follow the entire lakeshore, it passes through the countryside north of the lake, providing a different perspective on the region. Here, peaceful roads and rural landscapes offer a contrast to the busier tourist areas around the water. The route is especially appealing to cyclists who enjoy discovering the quieter surroundings of popular destinations rather than following only their main attractions.
Seelach and Stein im Jauntal – Cycling Through the Jaun Valley
Beyond Unterburg, the route continues through Seelach, one of the settlements associated with the Klopeiner See holiday region. The scenery alternates between open agricultural fields, small country roads and sheltered sections surrounded by trees. These changing landscapes give the ride a pleasant rhythm, with occasional views across the surrounding countryside. The relatively modest elevation gain allows cyclists to concentrate on the scenery, although the mixed surfaces require attention in places where gravel becomes loose or uneven.
Further west, the route approaches Stein im Jauntal, a village situated above the Drau Valley. Known for its historic church and rural setting, Stein im Jauntal represents another characteristic part of southern Carinthia. The surrounding landscape combines cultivated fields, forested slopes and traditional settlements, while the nearby river valley provides a natural connection between the region’s villages and cycling routes. This section highlights the diversity of the Jaun Valley, where relatively short cycling distances can include several distinct landscapes, from open farmland to wooded paths and river surroundings.
Reaching the Drau River – A Connection to Carinthia’s Cycling Network
The final section leads towards the Drau River (Drava), one of the defining natural features of southern Austria. The river flows through the wider Alpine-Adriatic region and forms the backbone of the well-known Drauradweg, or Drau Cycle Path. This long-distance cycling route connects numerous towns and landscapes across Carinthia and neighbouring regions, making the Drau Valley an important destination for bicycle touring. Reaching the river provides a natural conclusion to this stage and an opportunity to explore additional cycling routes along the valley.
For cyclists planning a longer journey, the Eberndorf–Drau River stage can be combined with other routes around Klopeiner See and Völkermarkt. The wider area offers a varied network of lakeside roads, countryside connections and riverside cycling paths. While Klopeiner See is particularly popular during the summer holiday season, the surrounding rural roads provide opportunities for cycling throughout much of the warmer part of the year. Spring and early autumn can be especially pleasant for riders seeking comfortable temperatures and quieter surroundings, although weather and trail conditions should always be checked before departure.
Route Information, Surface Conditions and Cycling Tips
This 11.84 km cycling route includes 103 metres of elevation gain, with a recorded moving time of 39 minutes and 16 seconds. Its Easy difficulty rating reflects the relatively short distance and modest climbing, making it suitable for recreational cyclists comfortable with occasional unpaved sections. The route features mixed asphalt and gravel surfaces, including quiet local roads, rural tracks and forest paths. A gravel bike, trekking bicycle or hybrid bike with suitable tyres is a practical choice, particularly where the surface becomes rougher or contains loose stones.
Cyclists should allow additional time if they wish to stop for photographs, explore nearby villages or enjoy the countryside at a relaxed pace. Conditions on gravel sections can change after rain, and some rural tracks may be affected by agricultural activity. Carrying water, checking the weather forecast and using reliable GPS navigation are sensible precautions, even on a relatively short route. The free GPX file available on Cycling Horizon can be imported into compatible cycling computers and navigation applications to follow the recorded track.
As part of the KLOPEINER SEE & DRAU RIVER series, this stage complements other Cycling Horizon routes exploring the lakes, villages and river valleys of southern Carinthia. Watch the complete 4K cycling video to experience the journey from a cyclist’s perspective, examine the interactive route map and download the GPX track to plan your own ride. Whether you are visiting Klopeiner See for a cycling holiday or exploring the wider Jaun Valley, this route offers an accessible way to discover the quieter countryside between Eberndorf and the Drau River.
